Duane Hicks
With the 51st-annual “Parade of Lights” scheduled for tomorrow (Nov. 29), the local Business Improvement Association is reminding the public to keep a few things in mind before checking out the popular event.
First and foremost, the route has changed.
Instead of lining up at the Shevlin wood yard and heading west down Scott Street as in past years, BIA co-ordinator Patti Anderson said the parade will start at the old CN station on Fourth Street West, proceed up Central Avenue to Scott Street, and then travel east to the Memorial Sports Centre.
Parade-watchers need to be well aware of this so they can come downtown early and pick out the best spot to watch the festive floats go by.
Anderson also noted motorists coming from the west won’t be able to get downtown using the main highway after the parade starts at 5 p.m. because it will be blocked off at Central Avenue for the floats to go through.
“The earlier, the better,” Anderson stressed, noting some downtown businesses will be having sales and other in-store promotions, such as food samples, before the parade.
The parade line-up will start at 3 p.m., with float judging to follow at 4 p.m.
Given that it’s the season of giving, another thing to consider is bringing unopened toys, non-perishable food items, or money to donate to the Salvation Army, which, with the help of B93fm staff, will be at the front of the parade collecting for the less fortunate.
“Everybody can dig deep and bring what they can,” said Anderson.
Canada Post also will be collecting children’s letters to Santa during the parade.
Parents are reminded that his address is: Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada (remember to include your return address).
Anderson said 12 floats already have registered for tomorrow’s parade, and she’s expecting more to show up during the line-up.
“It’s never too late,” she stressed. “[People] can decide at the last minute they’re going to make a float and come that day.”
The theme for this year’s parade is “The Magic of Christmas,” which could lend itself to any number of interpretations. Participants should keep in mind, however, that as a “Parade of Lights,” they’re encouraged to use plenty of lights on their floats.
After the parade, everyone is welcome to drop by St. John’s Anglican Church for hot cocoa and cookies with Santa.
In related news, the Fort Frances Museum will hold children’s cookie decorating from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday while the Borderland Ensemble will play a selection of Christmas songs at 2 p.m.
The museum also will serve up hot refreshments and cookies from 2-5:30 p.m. so downtown Christmas shoppers can drop by and warm their bones while they check out “The Awakening”—the new art exhibit by local artist Connie Cuthbertson—or grab a cup of apple cider or cocoa to sip on while they watch the parade go by.
Another downtown holiday tradition—“Cocoa and Cookies with Santa”—is scheduled for the following Saturday (Dec. 6) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fort Frances Museum.
Youngsters will be able to drop in, have a snack with the jolly old elf while they tell him what they want for Christmas, and also have their picture taken with him.
And if kids didn’t have their letters to Santa ready in time for tomorrow’s parade, they can deliver them in person on Dec. 6.
This event is free, but if parents so choose, Polaroids of Santa and your child can be purchased for a small fee.
